Vancouver General Information

Vancouver General Information

Vancouver is the largest metropolitan area in Western Canada, and third largest in Canada, with a population of 2.6 million. Located at the southwestern corner of the coastal province of British Columbia, it is well known for its majestic natural beauty, as it is nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It is frequently ranked as one of the best cities to live in and is certainly a beautiful destination to visit.

The City Centre is the heart of Vancouver's downtown and contain the city's Financial District, the Granville Entertainment district, and many of its hotels, clubs and historical buildings. For the visitor, it's a good place to make a base to explore Vancouver because of its easy access to public transit, shops and restaurants. And if you want to sample Vancouver's cuisine or nightlife, or take in the mountains and harbour, it's a great place to be.

Language

Canada has two official languages – English and French. English is the predominant language used in Vancouver, however Vanocuver is a multicultural mix where Chinese and Punjabi are also widely spoken by many residences and businesses.

Currency

The currency used in Vancouver is CAD, short for the Canadian Dollar. All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants.

Some shops and hotels will accept USD (US Dollars), however they so as a courtesy and this is not guaranteed. Furthermore, because USD is not official Canadian currency, such shops may set their own exchange rates which may not in line with official banking rates. Change to USD must be given in CAD, as per is the law in Canada.

Credit Cards

Banking

Banking hours in Canada are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, with extended hours including weekends at some locations.

Most banks have automatic teller machines, which can be accessed 24 hours a day, using bank or credit cards on major international banking networks such as Cirrus, Plus and Interac.

Tipping

Some properties and resort hotels include tips or gratuities to simplify bookkeeping. This will usually include gratuities for housekeeping, bell service and food service. If meals are included in the price, customary gratuity will be calculated at 15 per cent. Visitors should be advised that the standard tip in most restaurants is 15 to 18 per cent.

Taxes

Most goods and services including hotel rooms in British Columbia are subject to a 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the exception of liquor (10%).

In Vancouver and most major cities in BC, there is an additional 2% hotel room tax on top of the 7% PST and 5% GST. Some hotels also collect a Destination Marketing Fee (DMF) of 1.5% for the purposes of destination marketing and promotion. Total taxes and DMF for Vancouver hotel rooms are 15.74% of the room rate.

Cellular Phone

Many cell phone and wireless email providers do not provide service to Canada under their national plans, but do so under their international plans. We encourage symposium attendees to contact their individual cellular phone and wireless providers regarding temporary changes to their service plans prior to traveling to British Columbia.

Climate

Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. You should plan on bringing a light rainproof jacket or fleece as our evenings can cool off. Click here for current Vancouver weather conditions.

Electricity Supply

Outlets and voltage is 110, 60 hz.

Wireless Internet

Wireless Internet will be provided for all attendees onsite at the Vancouver Integrative Fertility Symposium.

Medical Clinics & Insurance

Should you require medical assistance of a non-emergency nature, there are many private medical clinics in the surrounding area that visitors can access. Please note that all expenses must be paid up front unless alternative arrangements are made through your insurance provider. If your required medical assistance is of an emergency, you will be taken to a local hospital. Please note that all expenses must be paid up front unless alternative arrangements are made through your insurance provider.

For medical emergencies, please call 9-1-1

Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. Make sure you have health insurance to cover any medical costs BEFORE you come to Canada.

Smoking Laws & Legal Drinking Age

Smoking is not permitted by law in public buildings, on public transit, in shopping malls, and in most restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and casinos. Smoking is not permitted within 3 meters of a doorways, windows, or air intakes. In Vancouver the legal age of drinking is 19 years old.

Cannabis products are legal for adults in Canada (19+).

Please note that cannabis products must be treated like Alcohol and in cases Tobacco use; you cannot:

o Smoke, vape, or ingest cannabis products before or during operation of a motorized vehicle.

o Smoke or vape cannabis in public areas used by children – same as smoking tobacco.

o Possess more than 30 grams of cannabis in a public place.

o Cannabis cannot be transported across the Canadian border.

For more information on British Columbia’s Cannabis regulations, check this link.

Water

The water quality in Vancouver is high and drinkable to our visitors.

Integrative Fertility Symposium

Healthy Seminars 6th Integrative Fertility Symposium will be held again in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The IFSymposium is geared toward Chinese medicine and naturopathic physicians who have an interest in treating reproductive health issues using an integrative approach. IFS 2020 date, April 16 to April 19, 2020